Area Students Chosen to Perform at OMTA Conference

November 7, 2011

The Oklahoma Music Teachers’ Association Junior Piano Competitions were conducted Oct. 29 on the OBU campus. Three area piano students were selected to perform in the Winners Recitals at the OMTA East District Conference that will be conducted on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at OBU.

Tommy Keller

Evie Griffin

Mitchell Manlapig

Thirteen students from the Shawnee area in grades three through eight participated in the festival. Event winners included:

Third and Fourth Grade Division: Winner is Tommy Keller, son of Tom and Patti Keller. Alternate is Brennan Golden, son of Nathan and April Golden of Ada. Honorable Mention is Anna Sampson, daughter of Jay and Amy Sampson.

Fifth and Sixth Grade Division: Winner is Evie Griffin, daughter of Dale and Donna Griffin. Alternate is Caleb Richards, son of Jeff and Cheri Richards.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Division: Winner is Mitchell Manlapig, son of Mike and Janna Manlapig. Alternate is Erin Presley, daughter of Mike and Heidi Presley.

Tommy Keller, Anna Sampson, Mitchell Manlapig and Erin Presley are all from the studio of Kaye Shields. Brennan Golden is from the studio of Bonita Blackburn. Evie Griffin is from the studio of Jeannie Tyler, and Caleb Richards is from the studio of Conchita Hansford.

Dr. Mary Chung, assistant professor of music at OBU, was the adjudicator for the audition. Chung received her bachelor of arts degree from North Greenville University, a master of music degree and a doctorate of musical arts from the University of Southern Mississippi. She teaches private and class piano on the OBU faculty, and she also teaches students in the Music Preparatory Department.

Conchita Hansford, OBU Music Preparatory director and assistant professor of music, served as coordinator of the Junior Piano Auditions.